Chapter 9

Stephanie continued, “Like I said, you should have just pretended you never found me. From now on, we stay out of each other’s way.”

She paused, then smirked. “And as for Olivia—you’re still protecting her, huh? Still worried about people finding out about her?”

After returning to the Hart family a few years earlier, Stephanie had left again. She hadn't spent enough time with them to feel any real attachment. Her cold, uncaring words only intensified Catlin's rage. “You… you rude and ungrateful brat,” Catlin spat.

The conversation reached an impasse. Suddenly, Catlin stood up. “Think about it carefully. Once you stop going after Olivia, I’ll reinstate your card.”

Catlin had no other way to punish Stephanie, so she aimed for her vulnerability—her finances—hoping to force her compliance. Without another word, Catlin stormed out, slamming the door.

She was convinced that cutting off Stephanie’s access to money would make her capitulate. She couldn’t wait to see Stephanie begging for forgiveness.

Once Catlin was gone, a heavy silence descended upon the house. Stephanie, completely unfazed, calmly washed an apple and took a bite. Her phone rang, and she answered without hesitation. “Hello?”

The voice on the other end was practically vibrating with excitement. “Boss, we’ve got a big one. A really big one.”

Stephanie took another bite of her apple, her tone as calm as ever. “How big?”

The voice, struggling to contain its enthusiasm, replied, “Three times higher than what we’ve had before.”

Stephanie’s pulse quickened. The apple in her hand tasted sweeter. She took another bite and stood up. “I’ll be there soon.”

After finishing her apple, she quickly changed. Normally, it took her over forty minutes to get to the office, but today she made it in just thirty. When she arrived at the studio, her assistant, Jennifer Adams, was already waiting, grinning widely. “Miss Giovanni, it’s a huge project!”

Jennifer eagerly handed her the project proposal. Stephanie flipped through it. “Another one from Skyriver Travel?”

She couldn't hide her impressed look. Skyriver Travel’s business was booming, and this was the second major project they’d sent her this year. Their design fees were always high, but this one was even more outrageous than usual.

Jennifer nodded excitedly. “Yes! The contact from Skyriver said our designs were fantastic and that they’ll send all their future projects to us.”

The words “fantastic designs” finally made Stephanie smile. She thought for a moment, then told Jennifer, “I’ll make arrangements tonight and gather all the designers for a meeting first thing tomorrow.”

“Got it!” Jennifer chirped, her voice brimming with energy.

Meanwhile, Catlin had gone straight to the hospital. Chris was there too, along with Catlin’s son, Tyler Hart. Before Catlin arrived, Tyler had been comforting Olivia. Olivia and Tyler had grown up together. Every time there was a conflict between Stephanie and Olivia, Tyler naturally sided with Olivia. Today, however, seeing Olivia hurt by Stephanie had fueled his frustration.

When Catlin walked in, Olivia looked up, guilt evident on her face. “Mom, I’m sorry. I think I made Stephanie upset again.”

Catlin stepped forward, her heart heavy with concern. “Silly girl, I’m sure it’s not your fault. I know her too well.”

The mention of Stephanie seemed to add to the already tense atmosphere. Catlin sighed deeply. “What kind of family did she grow up in? How did she grow into such a spoiled and rude person?”

The Hart family only knew that Stephanie’s adoptive family was called the Giovannis. They had no idea where they lived—Catlin had tried asking Stephanie, but she’d remained silent.

Tyler, shaking his head, patted Olivia’s arm. “It’s not that hard to guess. Look at her—she’s probably from some backwater town, just wild and undisciplined.” Tyler had always found Stephanie’s temper and brash behavior annoying.

Catlin sighed again, frustration evident in her voice. “She’s impossible.”

Tyler turned to her with a sharp look. “You cut off her card, right? Don’t give it back to her too easily this time.” He was eager to see Stephanie struggle without money. Maybe that would finally humble her.